Norma Jean & Marilyn


Starring: Ashley Judd, Mira Sorvino, Ron Rifkin
Directed by: Tim Fywell
Rating: R
Genre: Biography, Drama
1996

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: Tells the story of struggling actress Norma Jean and how she transformed herself into Marilyn Monroe. Monroe's successes and her many weaknesses and failures are also shown.

Review:

Tim: This is a TV movie. That is important to mention up front. I hate TV movies. However, I will admit from time to time a really great one comes along (take The Stand for instance) that is worth seeing and reviewing.

This film had a stroke of genius casting two different actors to portray Norma Jean and then Marilyn Monroe. It highlights what a transformation took place.

Ashley Judd blows Mira Sorvino out of the water. Judd gets a raw deal, playing the "ordinary" Norma Jean while Sorvino plays the worshipped, goddess-like Marilyn Monroe. Sorvino is decent, but Judd captures all the needed emotions- happiness, sorrow, and especially anger. Judd's best scenes occur when she menacingly growls at Sorvino.

This is a very intelligent movie. It is fascinating to watch Monroe's life unfold. I'm not sure how historically accurate the film is, but Monroe did have a rough life. It is not a very flattering movie for Monroe's image.

Norma Jean & Marilyn is at times very slow. Even at its best, it is still a TV movie. These limitations hurt the movie as you might expect.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 6.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend:
The Stand, Some Like it Hot, Divine Secrets of the Ya-Ya Sisterhood